What to Pack for a Perfect Picnic

Jul. 16, 2017

Once you have the perfect picnic pack established for the summer, all you have to do is pile in the car and go to your favorite outdoor spot. Here are items youâ€™ll want to be sure to bring on your next picnic adventure. Most are even multi-purpose so you can travel lighter!

Easy Prepared Foods
For the main course, consider sandwiches or wraps. Provide two different types so picnickers can choose their favorite. Small condiment packets are useful so you donâ€™t have to cart around whole bottles of ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard. Pick up fresh fruit and veggie trays as well; eating chilled, fresh food can contribute to staying hydrated in the hot sun. Next, choose some salty snacks like popcorn, pretzels or mixed nuts. And be sure to remember a little dessert!

Plates and Utensils
Pick out a nice melamine (sturdy, reusable plastic) dish set to dedicate to picnicking. You can keep it in the cooler or the picnic basket so itâ€™s always ready to go when you are. Using melamine saves money in the long run and also eliminates paper plate waste; itâ€™s the green choice for two reasons!

Water BottlesFreeze water bottles the day before your picnic. They are stand-in cold packs for the first half of the picnic, but as they melt through the afternoon youâ€™re ensured an icy cold beverage.

Bottled Beverages
Whether youâ€™ve got a party of beer, soda or iced tea drinkers, eliminate the need for cups by purchasing glass bottles for all your beverages. Just remember the bottle opener!

Baby Wipes
Bring along a pack of baby wipes for easy hand cleaning, and also to wipe plates off before repacking them. Youâ€™ll be glad you did when you get home at the end of the day.

Empty Bags
Repurpose shopping bags and make cleanup simpler. Bring one bag for trash and one for recycling. Leave the picnic space as tidy as it was when you arrived.

Portable Fun
Bubbles, a kite, a portable speaker, balls or flying discs are small, lightweight items you can tuck in a backpack for some added fun. Create a picnic playlist ahead of time to play through the speaker, and make up a bubble-popping game to entertain the kids!